Fluid motivating apparatus



Oct. 14, 1958 L. BUEHLER, JR 2,355,121

FLUID MOTIVATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 7, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. 0%021 fizz/6% 4/4 Oct. 14, 1958 L. BUEHLER, JR 2,855,121

' FLUID MOTIVATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. '7. 1955 e Sheets-Sheet 2 .BHPFPPH INVENTOR.

egan/62m W B MMI WM Oct. 14, 1958 L. BUEHLER, JR 2,856,121

FLUID MOTIVATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 7. 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TOR.

Oct. 14, 1958 BUEHLER, JR

FLUID MOTIVATING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 7, 1955 INVENTOR- m fiue%/e/a Ot. 14,1958 I L. BUEHLER, JR 2,856,121

. FLUID MOTIVATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 7, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 United States Patent FLUID MOTIVATING APPARATUS Leon Buehler, In, Evanston, Ill., assignor to The Creamery Package Mfg. Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application September 7, 1955, Serial No. 532,971

Claims. (Cl. 230--187) This invention relates to a fluid motivating apparatus, and more particularly to a sectional compressor for use in the compression of fluids such as air, refrigerants, or the like, and which is capable of high speed operation at high volumetric efliciencies and compression ratios.

Various apparatus of this type have heretofore been proposed which, however, because of their particular design are possessed of numerous shortcomings. For example, considerable difliculty has been encountered in constructing the various sections of the apparatus in such a way as to permit ready replacement of one or more of the sections with. comparative ease. Second, each section was not a complete power section in itself, that is to say, included a crankcase portion, one or more cylinders, fluid intake and outlet passageways, and a passageway for coolant. Third, the volumetric efficiency of the compressor was materially reduced by reason of numerous tortuous and concealed passageways. Fourth, the problem of properly cleaning the interior of such sections of core sand or other foreign matter, prior to assembly of the apparatus, has been an extremely difficult one because of the aforementioned tortuous and concealed passageways formed in such sections. Fifth, the various sections were of custom design for an apparatus of a given size or capacity and could not be utilized for constructing apparatus of other size and capacity requirements. Sixth, such sections were frequently of complex and costly construction making it difficult to assemble the apparatus and maintain in proper working order, and the sections, when assembled, were not capable of producing a relatively high compression ratio. Lastly, in such apparatus it was diflicult, if not impossible, to detect any fluid leakage within the apparatus from one isolated compartment to another before serious damage to the apparatus had occurred.

Thus, it is one of the objects of this invention to provide an apparatus which clearly overcomes the shortcomings possessed by the prior art apparatus of this type.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a sectional compressor wherein the various sections thereof may be readily fabricated or cast and each is possessed of relatively large unrestricted passageways for fluid passing through the compressor and relatively large cooling chambers or passageways encircling the cylinders of the compressor section, thereby enabling arelatively high compression ratio to be obtained during operation of the compressor.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a sectional compressor wherein certain sections thereof are adapted to receive in operating relation multiples of its kind to enlarge the capacity of the compressor, if desired.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a fluid motivating apparatus which is simple yet sturdy in construction, effective in operation, and inexpensive to produce. I

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention,

a fluid motivating apparatus is provided which comprises a housing having fluid inlet and outlet ports. The housing is formed of a center section which is adapted to be separable, when desired, from between a pair of end or closure sections. Each end section is disposed in abutting side-by-side scaling relation with an end face of the center section. The center section is of one piece construction and includes a crankcase portion through which extends a crankshaft, one or more cylinders for accommodating reciprocating fluid-actuating elements, one end of each cylinder communicating with the crankcase portion and the other end thereof accommodating a valve, independent fluid inlet and outlet passageways registrable with the fluid inlet and outlet ports, respectively, of the housing and in communication with valves disposed within said cylinders when said housing is in assembled relation, and independent coolant passageways encircling the cylinder walls. The width of the center section is dependent upon the cylinder size.

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should be made to the drawings wherein:

Fig. l is a front elevational view of the improved apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a back elevational view of the improved apparatus having a portion thereof cut away to show the interior of the apparatus housing;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the chamber valve shown in Fig. 3;

Figs. 8 and 9 are enlarged sectional views taken along lines 3-8 and 99, respectively, of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View of the piston shown in Fig. 3 but taken along a section line through the axis of the piston and at a right angle to that shown.

Referring now to the drawings, an improved fluid motivating apparatus 20 is shown which hereinafter will be referred to as a compressor. While the apparatus is to be hereafter described as a compressor for fluids, whether gaseous or liquid, it is to be understood, of course, that the improved apparatus construction may be utilized wherein the expansion, rather than the compression, of fluid may be the primary function sought to be accomplished with the apparatus. Thus, the scope of this invention is intended to cover an apparatus of this latter type, as well.

The compressor 20 comprises a hollow housing which is formed of a plurality of separable complemental sections 21, 22, and 23. The housing, in this instance, is shown to be formed of four separable sections, a rear end section 21, a pair of like center sections 22, and a front end section 23. The number of center sections 22, because of their identity of construction, may be varied depending upon the size and capacity requirements of the apparatus desired. In addition, while the end sections 21 and 23 are shown separable from one: another, they may, if desired, be of integral construction along one side thereof.

End section 21 is provided with a fluid intake port 24 which may be connected by suitable fittings 25 to the source of fluid, not shown, which is to be compressed. The fluid intake may be controlled by a metering valve 26. Port 24 is adapted to communicate with a compartment or chamber 27 formed in the interior of each center section 22. Such compartment will be described more fully hereinafter. Spaced from port 24 is a fluid discharge port 28, see Fig. 6, which, in turn, is adapted to communicate with a second compartment or chamber 353 formed in each of the center sections Disposed on the outside of section 21 and in registration with port 28, is a manually operated flow valve 331, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. Formed in the upper end as well as about the periphery of section 21 are a plurality of openings 32 which are adapted to accommodate bolts 33, the latter being used for retaining the housing sections in assembled relation. The lengths of the bolts 33 will be dependent upon the number of sections employed to form the housing. The inner face of section 21, as seen in Fig. 6, is formed into three portions Zia, 21th, and He by a pair of relatively spaced tortuous furrows and 35 extending crosswise of the face. The function of these furrows will be described more fully hereinafter. in addition to the ports and openings already described which are formed in section portion LEI-La, there is a port which communicates with a gauge 37 mounted on the outside of the section 211 and a dowel hole which is adapted to accommodate a pin 4t see Fig. 2, the latter insuring proper alignment of section 21 and the adjacent section 22. Gauge 3! is adapted to indicate the fiuid pressure in compartment 27 of center section which compartment forms the fluid intake manifold.

A second gauge A l is mounted on the outside of section 21 and is in communication with discharge port 28 thereby indicating fluid pressure within compartment 36 of section 22, which compartment forms a part of the fluid discharge manifold.

The middle section portion 211/) is provided with a pair of ports 42 through which water, or any other suitable cooling medium, may be introduced into the compartment or chamber d3 formed in center sections 22. Compartment functions as a cooling jacket for the center sections and will be described more fully hereinafter.

Disposed on the outside of section 121 is a header piece 44, see Fig. 3, which is adapted to direct the cooling liquid or medium about the crankshaft bearing and seal assembly 45, formed in end section 21%, into ports The header piece id is provided with a port 46 which communicates with the source of water supply or other cooling medium, not shown. The interior of the header piece is provided with an annular passage 47 which communicates with port 46 and a second passage 4&5, as well, which leads to ports The lower section portion is provided with an opening St for accommodating one end of a crankshaft The bearing and seal assembly 45 for the crankshaft is partially disposed within opening d and the remainder thereof is disposed within header piece 44, see Fig. 2. Spaced above opening 5th is a small port 52, which communicates with bearing assembly and is adapted to provide a drain for overflow of the oil lubricating such assembly. Adjacent the bottom side of section portion 21c is an oil drain port 53 and a dowel hole 54. The inner surface of section portion 21c functions as an end or side plate for the oil reservoir, which is formed by compartments or chambers 55 of center sections and the lower portion 23c of end section A suitable valve 56 is mounted within port 53 and disposed on the outside of section 123, see Fig. 2.

The inner face of section 21, aside from furrows 34 and $55", is of planar construction so as to effect proper registration with the adjacent end face of the center section which is disposed in abutting side-by-side relation therewith.

As heretofore mentioned, all of the center sections 22 are lilce construction, which is of utmost importance, as it permits interchanging of the sections and facilitates replacement thereof. Each center section is of one-piece construction, preferably cast, and the compartments or chambers 2'7, 320, iii, and 55 are all open on opposite sides, thereby enabling such compartments to be readily inspected and cleaned of any foreign matter, if required, prior to the housing being assembled. Formed in each section 22, in this instance, and extending radially outwardly from compartment 55 are a pair of spaced chambers or cylinders 57 and The lower end of each chamber communicates with compartment 55. The chamber-forming walls of the chambers are disposed within the cooling jacket compartment 43 formed in the section.

chamber 57 or has disposed therein a reciprocating piston as which is pivotally secured to a rod 61; the latter, in turn, extending into compartment 55 and being rotatably connected to a reduced segment 51a of crankshaft 51. The piston set, which is shown more clearly in Fig. 10, will be described more fully hereinafter. The axes of the chambers 5'7 and 58 are offset with respect to one another a slight amount so that the end of each piston rod, rotatably connected to crankshaft 51, will be disposed in side-byside relation with respect to one another at cranksha't segment is.

The upper end of each chamber is adapted to receive a valve unit 62 which controls the intake of the fluid into the chamber and subsequent discharge of the fluid therefrom after such entrapped fluid has been compressed a predetermined amount. The valve unit 62 will be described more fully hereinafter.

Gverlying the upper end of valve unit 62 and functioning as a retainer therefor is a cowl-like member 63 which is removably mounted on the outside of the center section 22. Member 63, which has a hollow interior, provides a connecting conduit 631: between the fluid intake manifold compartment and the intake side of valve unit 62.

Valve unit 62, which is shown more clearly in Figs. 7, 8, and 9, includes an inner sleevelike seat member 64 which is adapted to nest or iit within an outer piece 65. Extending axially upwardly through a center bore 66 formed in member 64 is the shank 67a of a valve bolt 67. The head 67b of bolt 6'7 is provided with an annular shoulder 6"c against which the lower end of member 64 is caused to rest when the unit 62. is assembled. The upper end of member 64 is engaged by a washer 68 having a plurality of radially extending symmetrically spaced fingers 63a which project beyond the outer periphery of member 6a and contact the upper end of piece 65. A nut 7t is threadably mounted on the free end of shank 67c, and, when drawn up tight, causes member 64-, piece 65, and washer 68 to be clamped between nut 79 and annular shoulder 670 formed in bolt head 67!). Washer 68 and the upper end of member 64 are provided with dowel holes ss which, when the unit is assembled, are in alignment with one another and are adapted to receive a pin '71. Thus, pin "ii insures that washer 68 and member 64 always retain the same relative positions. The reason for this relation will become apparent hereinafter.

The upper end of piece 65 is provided with an outwardly extending annular collar 65a, the diameter of which is substantially the same as the interior diameter of the chamber so that collar 65a serves to center die unit within the chamber. The lower end of piece 65 is provided with a plurality of symmetrically arranged radially extending lugs 655, which are adapted to contact the interior of chamber 57 or 58 when the unit =62 is positioned therein. Each. lug is provided with a pocket 65c in which one end of a coil spring 72 is adapted to be disposed. The portions 65d of the lower end of piece 65, which are disposed intermediate lugs 65!), are spaced from the intcrior surface of the chamber and cooperate therewith to form passages 73 which communicate with compartment fill of section 22. Portions 65d are undercut a slight amount to form a platform 656, against which a valve ring 74 is adapted to rest when discharge of the fluid from the chamber occurs. Coil springs '72, heretofore mentioned, contact the upper side of valve ring 74 and effected by the piston.

bias the latter into normally closed relation with respect to an annular seat element 75. Seat element 75 is inserted into the interior of the chamber from the upper open end of the latter and rests against an annular ledge 76 formed in the interior of the chamber, see Fig. 3. The seat element 75 has an open center portion through which the head 67b of bolt 67 extends. There is suflicient clearance between the outer periphery of head 67b and element 75 to provide an annular passage 77 through which fluid passes when either being drawn into the chamber or discharged therefrom by the piston 60.

The lower end of sleevelike seat member 64 is provided with an annular flange 78 which is contacted by the portion 651 of piece 65 which is circumjacent the center or axial bore 65g of the piece. The outer peripheral edge of flange 78 projects outwardly from piece portion 65f and cooperates with seat element 75 to provide the seat for valve ring 74.

Seat member 64 is provided with a center segment 64a through which bolt shank 67a extends. Segment 64a is encompassed by an outer cylindrically-shaped segment 64b. Segments 64a and 641) are in spaced relation with respect to one another and are integrally connected to one another by ribs 640, see Fig. 9. Passages 80 are formed between ribs 64c, which are adapted to communicate with the interior conduit 63a formed in cowl-like member 63.

Adapted to normally overlie the lower end of member 64 and close olf passages 80 is a second valve ring 81. The ring 81 is biased by a plurality of coil springs 82 against the lower end of member 64. The springs are disposed in symmetrically arranged pockets 83 formed in head 67b of valve bolt 67. Ring 81 becomes unseated when fluid is being drawn into chamber 57 or 58 as the piston 60 is moving in a direction toward compartment 55.

Bolt head 67b is likewise provided with a plurality of symmetrically arranged openings 67d thereby permitting the fluid when being drawn into the chamber to pass through the openings as well as around the outer periphery of the head.

The dowel pin 71, heretofore mentioned as disposed between washer 68 and the upper end of member 64, insures that the fingers 68a of the washer will be in alignment with the ribs 640 of member 64 and thereby not obstruct passages 80.

Piston 60, which is shown more clearly in Figs. 3 and 10, has the closed end 84 thereof dished out or recessed slightly so as to accommodate bolt head 67b which projects into the chamber interior upon the piston head reaching the end of its outward stroke. The annular lip 85 formed on the end of piston 60 is shaped so as to conform substantially to the shape of the passage formed between the outer periphery of bolt head 67b and seat element 75 thereby improving volumetric displacement A safety feature has been incorporated in the closed end 84 of piston 60 which is in the form of a weakened or rupturable head section 86. The function of section 86 is that it will become ruptured or blown out if the pressure between closed head end 84 becomes greater than a predetermined amount and thereby prevent further damage to the apparatus. A pressure, suificient to rupture section 86 might result by considerable liquid or condensate being drawn into the chamber interior and the discharge ports in said valve unit 62 not being of suflicient size to permit rapid enough discharge of such liquid or condensate as the piston moves toward unit 62. Section 86 is weakened to a predetermined degree by having an annular groove 87 formed in the underside of the closed end 84. The thickness of the remaining material of the closed end disposed above the groove 87, see Fig. 10, may be carefully regulated by proper machining operation.

If desired, this safety feature may be incorporated in other ways either in the piston 60, the chamber wall, or

i in the cowl-like member 63, the latter being provided with a shoulder 63b which holds the valve unit 62 against seat I shaft 51 and the bearing unit 104 therefor.

6 element 75 and the latter against the ledge 76 of the chamber.

The piston 60 is provided with a pair of aligned inwardly extending trunnions or bosses 88 which :are adapted to accommodate a connecting pin 90 for the piston rod 61. Suitable annular grooves 91 are formed on the outer periphery of the piston 60 to accommodate the conventional sealing rings.

The end faces of each center section 22 are made planar and are in parallel relation with one another so that, when the apparatus is assembled, the various sections will mate properly. A gasket, not shown, is normally disposed between the contacting surfaces of each pair of abutting sections. Because of the relatively large area overlaid by such a gasket, the openings 32 formed in each section to accommodate the tie bolts 33, are spaced relatively close to one another thereby reducing to a minimum long uninterrupted segments of the gasket which might be inherently weak and susceptible to blowout. The end faces of each center section are provided with elongated tortuous furrows 34 and 35 which are the same shape and size as the furrows formed in the inner face of end section 21. Such furrows are likewise formed in the inner face of end section 23, see Fig. 5. The function of the furrows, in all instances, is to permit ready detection from outside of the housing of any leakage within the housing between compartments 30 and 43 or 43 and 55.

End section 23, as seen in Fig. 5, has the inner face thereof divided into three portions 23a, 23b, and 230 by reason of the furrows 34 and 35. The upper portion 23:: is provided with an enlarged opening 92, which communicates with the intake manifold compartment 27 of the center section 22. The opening 92 is adapted to accommodate a cylindrically-shaped filter or strainer 93 which has the distal end 93a thereof seated Within the opening 24 formed in end section 21 when the sections are assembled. The relative position of the filter in the intake manifold of the housing assures that all the fluid passing through such manifold will pass through the filter before reaching the valve unit 62. Openings 32 for tie bolts 33 are formed in face portions 23a, 23b,and 23c which align with the corresponding holes or openings formed in the other sections.

To one side of face portion 23a is provided a pair of ports 94 and 95 which communicate with a safety valve 96 disposed on the outside of section 23. Port 94 communicates with compartment 30 of section 22 which forms the fluid discharge manifold for the housing. Port 95, in turn, communicates with compartment 27' of section 22 which is a part of the fluid intake manifold. When the sections are assembled, the ports 94 and 95 are separated from one another by the partition wall 97 of section 22, see Fig. 4.

Because of the deleterious character of the fluid which is frequently being motivated by the apparatus, it is important that safety valve 96 does not relieve any dangerously high discharge fluid pressure to the atmosphere. Thus, instead, such pressure is relieved within the housing into the intake manifold thereof.

A dowel hole 98 is provided in face portion 23a, as well as in portion 23c, to insure proper alignment of the sections, when assembled.

Face portion 23b, is provided with a pair of ports 100 through which the cooling medium from compartment 43 is discharged. Ports 100 communicate with an oil chiller 101, see Fig. 1, through a pair of hollow brackets 102. Both the chiller 101 and brackets 102 are mounted on the outside of section 23. The chiller 101, as the name implies, effectscooling of the lubricating oil circulated throughout the apparatus. The chiller construction will be described more fully hereinafter.

Face portion 230 is provided with an enlarged opening 103 which is adapted to accommodate the end of crank- Directly above opening 103 is a small port 105 which is adapted to permit flow into compartment 55 of any overflow of the oil lubricating bearing unit 104. Normally, the oil flows from hearing unit 104 through a tortuous passage- Way 106, formed in crankshaft'Sl to the bearing andseal assembly 45, disposed at the other end of the crankshaft and through connecting passages 106a to rod segments 51a.

To the end of the crankshaft, disposed in opening 103, is affixed a coupling 167 which drives the oil pump 108, see Figs. l and 2. The casing 109 for the oil pump 108 isdisposed on the outside of section 23. The pump 108 will be described more fully hereinafter.

Aport 1.10 is formed in face portion 23c which communicates with a concealed passage, not shown, formed in end section 23 and leading to the intake manifold of the housing. The concealed passage permits equalization of the pressure Within compartments 27 and 55.

Ports 111 are provided in face portion 23c to permit oil to flow into a level indicator 112 which is mounted on the outside of section 23. A cover 111a partially overlies ports 111 so as to prevent violent disturbance of the oil in indicator 111.

A port 119 is provided in face portion 23c which communicates with the outlet of a pressure relief valve, not shown, formed on oil pump 1%. A cover 119a is provided which partially overlies port 119 and prevents violent discharge of oil from the valve into reservoir 55.

At the lower side of face portion 230, an enlarged opening 113 is provided which is adapted to accommodate an oil filter or strainer 114. The outer end 114a of the filter 114 snugly engages opening 113. A concealed pas sage 115 is formed in end section 23, adjacent filter end 114a, see Fig. 2, which leads to the suction side of oil pump 108. Thus, once crankshaft 51 rotates causing pu-mp 108 to operate, oil from compartment '5 is withdrawn through filter 114 and passage 115 into the pump casing 109'.

An additional port 116 is formed in face'portion 230 which is connected by tubing 117 to an oil pressure failure switch unit 118 which is disposed on the outside of section 23, see Fig. 1. Switch unit 118 is provided with a diaphragm, not shown, which is responsive on one side to the oil pressure within compartment 55 and on the other side to the discharge pressure from the oil pump 1%. This latter pressure is transmitted to unit 118 through a tube 120 which is connected to one end of chiller 1. If the pressure differential within unit 118 should drop below a predetermined amount, which may be preset on the switch unit, the driving power for the crankshaft will be automatically shut off. Thus switch unit 118 insures that proper oil pressure is maintained within the apparatus during operation thereof and averts the possibility of serious damage due to lack of proper lubrication of the various moving parts of the apparatus.

The chiller 101, in this instance, comprises three tubular members 121, 122, and 123 which are arranged in con centric relation, see Fig. 2. The member 122 is integrally connected to hollow brackets 192 through which the cooling medium from compartment 43 is discharged. An outlet 12 i is formed on member 122 which extends through the lower side of member 121 and through which the cooling medium flows out of the chiller, after passing in heat exchange relation with the oil flowing in the annular passageways 125a and 1125b formed between members 121 and 122 and the interior of member 123, respectively. Oil is introduced into passageways 125a and 12512 from pump 108 through a tube 126 into a connection 127 communicating at one end of the chiller. Mounted on connection 127 and communicating with passageways 125a and 1125b is a pressure gauge 128. At the opposite end of chiller 15. 1 is a distributing connector 130 having one port thereof connected to tube 121) leading to switch unit 118 and a second port connected to a tube 131; the latter,

in turn, communicating with a concealed passage, not

shown, formed in end section 23 and leading to shaft bearing unit 104.

As noted in Pig. 4, each center section is provided with a pair of footings 132 which are provided with bolt openings 133 to facilitate anchoring of the apparatus to a suitable base.

While the inner faces of end sections 21 and 23 and the end faces of center sections 22 have heretofore been described as having a planar configuration, such section faces are not to be so limited. Where the peripheral shape of the center sections permits, the abutting end faces therof may, if desired, be of a tongue and groove construction.

Thus, it will be seen that an improved fluid motivating apparatus has been provided which may be readily disassembled for repair or service when desired. The improved apparatus is provided with a housing formed of a plurality of separable complemental sections, the number of which may be readily varied to meet the necessary requirements of the apparatus as to size and capacity. The separable housing sections are of simple one-piece construction and are free ofnumerous tortuous and concealed passageways thereby facilitating proper cleaning of such sections prior to assembly thereof to form the housing. Furthermore, the improved apparatus is provided with means for readily detecting, from the outside of the housing, any fluid leakage or the like which might occur within the housing before any serious damage to the apparatus has occurred.

While a particular embodiment of this invention is shown above, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not to be limited thereto, since many modifications may be made, and it is contemplated, therefore, by the appended claims, to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit .and scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. A fluid motivating apparatus comprising a housing through which a fluid circulates in one path and a coolant circulates in a secondpath, said housing including at least three complemental separable sections arranged in abutting side-by-side relation, the section intermediate the end sections being provided with a first chamber, a transversely disposed second chamber communicating with one side of said first chamber, and a third chamber through which said coolant circulates separated from said first and second chambers and in substantial encompassing relation with said first chamber; removable fluid-actuating means movably mounted within said first chamber; removable drive means for said actuating means movably mounted within and encompassed by said second chamber to effect movement of said actuating means; and valve means cooperating with said first chamber and operable to effect entrapment of a portion of the circulating fluid therein and subsequent discharge therefrom of the entrapped fluid portion, upon relative movement of said fluid-actuating means, said valve means being isolated from said housing second chamber by said fluid-actuating means; said intermediate section being of one-piece construction and having only the sides of the second and third chambers thereof adjacent said end sections open.

2. The fluid-motivating apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the intermediate section includes a fourth chamber separated from said second and third chamber and communicating with said first chamber to effect a conduit for the entrapped fluid portion discharged from said first chamber; the sides of said fourth chamber, adjacent said end sections, being open.

3. The fluid-motivating apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the chambers provided in said intermediate section are delimited by a peripheral shell-like member abutting and conforming substantially to the periphery of each of said housing end sections.

4. The fluid-motivating apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein the chambers provided within said intermediate section are separated from one another by partitions extending crosswise of said section and being integral, with a shell-like member delimiting all of said section chambers; the end face of the partition for said fourth chamber being provided with a centrally disposed furrow coextensive with said partition and having the ends of said furrow open to the outer peripheral surface of said shelllike member.

5. A fluid-motivating apparatus comprising a housing through which a fluid circulates in one path and a coolant circulates in a second path, said housing comprising a pair of separable end sections and a plurality of separable intermediate sections, said latter sections being arranged in abutting side-by-side relation intermediate said end sections, each of said intermediate sections being of like construction and being provided with a first chamber, a transversely disposed second chamber communicating with one side of said first chamber, a third chamber through which said coolant circulates, separated from first and second chambers and in substantial encompassing relation with said first chamber, and a fourth chamber separated from said second and third chamber and communicating with said first chamber to efiect a fluid discharge conduit therefor, all of the chambers of said -intermediate section being delimited by a peripheral shelllike member; removable fluid-actuating means movably mounted within the first chamber of each intermediate section; removable drive means for all of said actuating means movably mounted to effect movement of said ac tuating means, said drive means extending from one end section to the other and extending through the second chambers of all of said intermediate sections; and valve means cooperating with each first chamber and operable to effect entrapment of a portion of the circulating fluid therein and subsequent discharge therefrom of the entrapped fluid, upon relative movement of said fluidactuating means, said valve means being isolated from the secondchamber of each intermediate section by said fluidactuating means; each intermediate section being of onepiece construction and having only the sides of said second, third and fourth chamber, adjacent said end sections, open. 6. The fluid-motivating apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein the intermediate section includes a fifth chamber separated from said second, third and fourth chambers and in communication with said first chamber to effect a fluid intake conduit therefor; the sides of said fifth chamber, adjacent said end sections, being open.

7. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said fluidactuating means includes a safety element carried thereon and disposed adjacent said valve means, said element eflecting communication between said valve means and said second chamber only when a predetermined force is exerted on said element in a direction toward said second chamber.

8. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein said fluidactuating means includes a rupturable safety element carried thereby and disposed intermediate said second chamber and said valve means to normally efiect isolation therebetween, said element being ruptured and effecting communication between said second chamber and valve means only when a predetermined pressure differential is exerted on opposite sides of said element.

9. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein the valve means includes a body member disposed within said first chamber and having a portion of the outer periphery of said member spaced from said chamber wall to form an outer passageway communicating with said first chamber to effect fluid flow into a portion of said first chamber only when the fluid actuating first means is moving in one relative direction within said chamber, said body member being provided with an inner passageway communicating with said first chamber portion to effect fluid flow out of said chamber portion only when said fluid actuating first means is moving in a second relative direction within said chamber, said outer and inner passageways being in alternate communication with said first chamber portion.

10. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein the valve means includes an outer member disposed within said first chamber and having a portion of the outer periphery of said member spaced from the chamber wall to form a first passageway communicating with said] chamber to effect fluid flow into a portion of said first chamber only when the fluid-actuating first means is moving in one rela tive direction within said chamber, an inner member removably mounted within said outer member, said inner member being provided with a second passageway communicating with said first chamber portion to elfect fluid flow out of said chamber portion, when said first means is moving in a second relative direction within said chamber, and means removably mounted on said inner member and cooperating with said outer member to effect retention of said members in assembled relation, said first and second passageways being in alternate communication with said first chamber portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,383,367 Wygodsky July 5, 1921 1,433,476 Price Oct. 24, 1922 2,101,956 Sailstad Dec. 14, 1937 2,660,365 Paget Nov. 24, 1953 2,740,393 Hoffman Apr. 3, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 384,762 Great Britain Dec. 15, 1932 

